Today is Election Day in Marblehead, with polls open for the state primary election. Voters across town will cast their ballots to determine the candidates for each party who will appear on the ballot in the Nov. 5 general election.
Polls are open today from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at three locations in Marblehead:
— Precinct 1: Old Town House, One Market Square
— Precincts 2 and 3: Abbot Hall Auditorium, 188 Washington St.
— Precincts 4, 5 and 6: Judy & Gene Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St.
Voters must cast their ballots at their designated polling precinct, which can be found on the Massachusetts Election Division’s website bit.ly/3VcIOsW.
While many races on Marblehead’s primary ballot are uncontested, voters face choices in the Essex County clerk of courts and register of deeds contests. These often-overlooked positions play critical roles in the county’s judicial and administrative systems.
In the Democratic primary for Essex County clerk of courts, incumbent Thomas H. Driscoll Jr., who has held the position since 2001, faces a challenge from James FX Doherty, an attorney and former Beverly city councilor.
Driscoll, of Swampscott, brings extensive legal and public service experience to the role. His background includes work as an assistant district attorney for Essex County and positions at several law firms in the area. He has also been active in various community organizations and retirement boards.
Doherty advocates for making the clerk of courts position appointed rather than elected and supports implementing term limits. The clerk of courts is responsible for maintaining court records and overseeing court operations.
The race for register of deeds in the Essex Southern District features two Democratic candidates with diverse backgrounds. Eileen R. Duff, the current governor’s councilor for the 5th District, brings extensive experience in public service and real estate. Her opponent is Joseph Michael Gentleman III, a veteran with over 20 years of experience working at the Southern Essex District Registry of Deeds.
Duff, a Peabody native, has served six terms on the Governor’s Council since 2012. She holds a master’s degree in management and a doctoral degree in ministry. Her campaign emphasizes her experience working at the intersection of housing, courts and public policy.
“I’m proud of what I have been able to accomplish while a Member of the Governor’s Council,” Duff said. “I worked across the aisle with Democratic and Republican administrations to bring fairness and common sense into the Massachusetts justice system.”
Duff has pledged herself to focus on customer service, communication and leveraging technology to improve the registry’s operations. She aims to expand education and outreach efforts to help residents protect their property titles and deeds.
Gentleman, a Lynn native and current Peabody resident, brings experience from within the registry itself. He worked under long-time Register of Deeds John O’Brien and has experience in all departments, including registered land. Gentleman is a U.S. Navy veteran and has held leadership roles in various community organizations, including serving as the current president of the Lynn Lions Club.
Gentleman said he is running to help fight fraud and protect home ownership, to follow the indexing standards required in all Massachusetts registries, and to lead one of the best run registries in the state. He emphasizes the importance of enhancing online security and ensuring accessibility of registry services.
Both candidates highlight their commitment to protecting homeowners and improving registry operations, offering voters a choice between external governance experience and internal operational knowledge.
The register of deeds oversees the recording and maintenance of all property records and real estate transactions for the southern district of Essex County. This office plays a crucial role in protecting property rights and facilitating real estate business in the region.
In addition to the county-level races, Marblehead voters will choose candidates for the following offices:
— U.S. senator: Democratic incumbent Elizabeth Warren faces no primary opposition. The Republican ballot features a three-way race between Robert J. Antonellis, Ian Cain and John Deaton.
— U.S. representative (6th District): Democratic incumbent Seth Moulton is unopposed in the primary.
— State senator (3rd Essex District): Democratic incumbent Brendan Crighton is unopposed in the primary.
— State representative (8th Essex District): Democratic incumbent Jenny Armini faces no primary challengers.
— Governor’s councilor (6th District): Democratic incumbent Terrence W. Kennedy, an attorney who has served on the council since 2010, is running unopposed. The Governor’s Council provides advice and consent on gubernatorial appointments, pardons, commutations and treasury warrants.
Voters will receive one of three party ballots — Democratic, Republican or Libertarian — based on their registered party affiliation. Unaffiliated voters can choose a party ballot at their polling place.
Mail-in ballots must be returned to the town clerk’s office by the time the polls close at 8 p.m. today.
